13 November 2009

In the last few months I have been sucked into watching what takes place on Wysteria Lane, for those of you unfamiliar-Desperate Housewives.

I must say that although this show illuminates the happy, funny, and at times dark aspects of suburbia, truth of the matter is your left wondering about yourself and....your neighbors. Some desire to have the perfect life branded by "husband/wife, cookie cutter house with white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog, named Max". OK maybe not specifically those things but you get the idea.

Many people do achieve this lifestyle without incident and live happily ever after. On the other hand there are some who go to great lengths to create the perception for others of this perfect life. Behind every closed door there are secrets being kept never to be seen on that perfectly manicured front lawn. Teen pregnancy, drug addiction, domestic violence, infidelity-you name it, its taking place.

The secret pasts that we hide or the secret motives we have both present the question

"Is it better to be good or happy?"

Why do we lie?Usually to cover up an unfavorable act or personality trait.Why do we cheat?The thrill of something new, the feeling of invincibility, and of course attempting to have cake and eat it too.It is better to do what's good or to do what makes you happy?This is a question that I have probably asked myself before any decision. At times we get so caught up doing the noble thing that we are so unhappy that it turns resentful. It's common to worry what others would think and say about you if you did something other than what they perceive to be the right thing to do.

The criticism of parents and peers and knowing what they are going to say in regards to a certain situation, tremendously breaks down confidence and self-motivation. How much are you willing to sacrifice to contribute to someone else's happiness?I have found the things that make you happy are the things that you are good at.

In the event that you tell a lie, make sure it is only to cover up a past that you will never repeat.As far as your secret angle, modus operandi, M.O., to getting what you want, just handle your business with tack, style, and grace. If they are going to be left talking just make sure its about how good you are. In the end you will get what you want and.....all that it comes with.

Just when you're about to get down on yourself for taking that chance or doing what makes you happy-remember:

LIFE is like Cutex Top Coat-sometimes you have to just shine up the surface until you can get started on a fresh canvas. (ladies know what I mean)

23 September 2009

I'm left feeling that this fashion week did not showcase the greatest of collections. As a matter of a fact some of the collections were very safe and ho-hum. Rachel Roy presented a collection filled with strong suits and wrap dresses/skirts. The collection featured a lot of grays but there were surprising bursts of color. The suits implied strength but with a sexy element. The draping on the dresses, skirts, and pants were versatile. Brilliant yellows, blues, and fuchsias brightened up the runway in cohesive combinations.

17 September 2009

I checked out RootzUnderground, this week at Pulp Live. The band consists of a lead vocalist and five instrumentalists. The lead, Stephen Newland, has a stage presence and voice that immediately invokes thoughts of Robert Nesta Marley, the contemporary edition. The instrumentalists - Jeffrey Moss-Solomon, Colin Young, Leon Campbell, Paul Smith, and Charles Lazarus produced cohesive sounds that had the crowd rocking. The crowd was a nice mix of Black, White, Chinese, and other ethnic races.The heavy the Roots Rock, Dub, and Revolutionary influences are obvious in the content of their music. The performance was full of energy and musical motivation vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed the set and it was a nice change in scenery, from the usual rey-rey and stush crowds.

"How much longer will we waste away by the side of the road? How much longer will they enslave my mind, even my body and soul....Some youths say them a soldier, still I really wonder what they're fighting for".

Check out the band's website for a free download of their album: Alive.

12 September 2009

The day 3 collections definitely didn't pack a punch, but there were a few pieces that were hits. Lacoste, presented a true Ready to Wear collection that put a sporty and chic emphasis on Spring in a polo shirt kind of way. Day wear was mixed in with convertible pieces that could be transitioned to night. The models were dressed as inspired by the US Open - in fitted polos and short shorts. The explosion of yellow at the end made me remember that the season is on the verge of changing, Fall-Winter-Spring 2010.

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. collection could be described as Punk-Fun. ModelS rocked harem pants, lace stockings, off the shoulder tops, and 80s hair.

11 September 2009

I loved the tweed suits, belted dresses, and feathers, of Jason Wu's collection. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw the suits was that they were fit of the first lady, Michelle Obama. After all he is the master behind Michelle Obama inauguration ball gown. In particular, the hair art and head wear displayed in the collection were a compliment to the ruffled detail in the garments. The head pieces remind me of a period when hats and gloves were a staple fashion accessories in a woman's outfit.

It seems as though the opening day collections for Fashion Week had a little more umph than presented in the second day. A few collections and scattered pieces were the highlight of today's shows.Cynthia Rowley's collection was comprised of blurred floral patterns, creamy yellows with bold black, and bobby socks! The pastel yellow draperies were soothing on the eyes and complimented the blues and grays of the collection.

Charlotte Ronson's collection emitted an 80s flare with roped headbands, leather shorts, and waist belts. Knotted broad leather belts drew attention to the waist and studded belts were on point and paired with a variety of looks.

10 September 2009

The first day of fashion week kicked of a with a mix of bold prints, vibrant colors, and architecturally inspired designs. BCBG Max Azria's collection showed off much of these characteristics in their playful but sultry dresses, not to mention the little mesh number.

My favorite collection for the day by far was from Ports 1961. Tia Cibani incorporated romance, Asian influence, and soft silks that illuminated the room in this outstanding collection. Soft, pastel like tones were spiced up with bold red and orange tones. This collection set the stage for the remaining Spring 2010 showcases.

09 September 2009

The tents are up and the designers, critics, and enthusiasts are in store for seven full days of all things fashion courtesy of the Mercedes-Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week. There are over 100 designers slated to present their collections beginning September 10, 2009 in Bryant Park. For those of us without a ticket, thank goodness for up to the time media coverage.

19 August 2009

It may be a new season and a new network for Project Runway but Tim Gunn is not changing his "make it work" attitude. The panel of judges including Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia are going to have high expectations for the 16 designers. There are lot of free spirits and colorful personalities which equates to a season full of sass and spice. Judging from designers' portfolios this season is going to bursting at the seams with talent but there can only be one winner.

Project Runway Season 6 premiers Thursday, August 20 at 10 PM on Lifetime.